Clematis, Sweet Summer Love

Early and lasting display of huge, gorgeous mauve blooms. Great cut flowers.

Full Description

Tall, 6-10' plants produce an early and lasting display of gorgeous grape-purple to violet flowers. Flowering in masses from May, June to September, this climbing vine adds magic to any structure in the garden. Great cut flowers. Sun to part shade.

Zone
This refers to the USDA hardiness zone assigned to each part of the country, based on the minimum winter temperature that a region typically experiences. Hardiness zone ranges are provided for all perennial plants and you should always choose plants that fall within your range.

4-9

Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun, Part Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

72-180 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

72-120 inches

Bloom Season
The time of the year when this product normally blooms.

Summer

Resistant To
Adverse garden conditions, such as heat or frost, deer or rabbits, that this product can tolerate well.

Start IndoorsStart Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summer

TransplantTransplant
When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for spring

Start OutdoorsStart Outdoors
Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summer

Start Indoors FallStart Indoors Fall
Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

Transplant FallTransplant Fall
Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fall

Start Outdoors FallStart Outdoors Fall
Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

First Date: Mar-28 - Last Date: May-16

First Date: Sep-17 - Last Date: Oct-29

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Growing information

Clematis may be grown from cuttings, planted in a container or planted into the ground.

Cuttings:

Choose a location in full sun or part shade, in average but well drained soil. Clematis roots should always be cool and uniformly moist. Annuals or perennials may be planted to shade the roots, or use an organic mulch. Avoid heavy clay soils.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.

The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.

Dig a hole deep and wide enough to accommodate the bare root.

Set the plant such that the crown is at or just slightly below the ground level. Allow roots to fan out from the crown at around a 45 degree angle. Roots should spread out separately, like stretched fingers, from the crown, and not bunch up. It may be helpful to build a cone-shaped mound of soil in the bottom of the hole and spread the roots around it. It is important to set the roots such that the crown is roughly level with the ground.

Cover the roots with soil and tamp down firmly to get rid of air pockets. Fill the soil to just below the crown, where the top growth and leaves will emerge. Make sure all the roots under the crown are in good contact with the soil.

Water well to fully saturate the roots and soil.

Wait until new growth starts to appear before applying a layer of mulch.

Planting Potted Plants:

Choose a location in full sun or part shade, in average but well drained soil. Clematis roots should always be cool and uniformly moist. Annuals or perennials may be planted to shade the roots, or use an organic mulch. Avoid heavy clay soils.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.

The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.

Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.

Use the plant tag as a location marker.

Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

How to Grow

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.

Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge.

Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.

After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.

You can always check to see which class your variety belongs to for pruning instructions. In general, vigorous species and early-flowering hybrids do not require pruning, just remove tangled growth. Large-flowered hybrids blooming in early summer on the previous season’s growth can be pruned lightly in the dormant season for structure. Late-flowering hybrids which bloom on current season’s growth can be pruned back to a pair of buds in the dormant season.

Do not divide clematis. If you would like to propagate plants, you can take cuttings in early summer. Choose half-wood cuttings, just before they turn to brown wood. Use a rooting hormone, keep them in high humidity and out of direct light. They may take 1-2 months to grow roots.

Growing Tips

The seed pods of clematis are very attractive and may be used in flower arranging. The flowers are great for cutting.

Many varieties are vigorous vines and should be trained to climb a trellis, fence, arbor, wall, porch or lamppost.

They are also very effective planted to sprawl over and through large shrubs.

Clematis can be used for height and a good architectural framework for small gardens.

Product Details

Zone

4-9

Sun

Full Sun, Part Sun

Height

72-180 inches

Spread

72-120 inches

Bloom Season

Summer

Resistant To

Deer, Rabbit

Ornamental Use

Beds, Borders

Planting Time

Fall, Spring

Genus

Clematis

Life Cycle

Perennial

Reviews

Clematis, Sweet Summer Love is rated
1.8 out of
5 by
4.

Rated 1 out of
5 by
jnlahue from
Never grewBought 2 of these. They maintained size first year. Following year, green but never grew/got any bigger. Year after that completely gone :(

Date published: 2018-05-30

Rated 1 out of
5 by
What1 from
ClematisPlants arrived in bad shape and didn't last a month. Turned into a terrible gift for my friends

Date published: 2016-11-20

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Jkb29 from
Survived but didn't thriveThe climatic arely grew despite care and watering and a trellis to climb.

Date published: 2016-09-15

Rated 3 out of
5 by
cke1 from
disappointmentI was so excited to get this plant and though it has grown and seems healthy it hasn't lived up to my expectations. I think it had one flower.